You have a tattoo you want removed. Maybe an ex’s name. Or maybe the result of your 18-year old self not making the best decision.
Whatever the case may be, you want the tattoo removed.
But you’re worried…
When you think of getting Laser Tattoo Removal, you already have sweaty palms and a raised heartbeat thinking about the pain.
The short answer, yes.
But…
Most people say the pain is bearable. Especially since each laser tattoo removal procedure is VERY short.
And 99% of my tattoo removal patients say the pain was worth it when they see their results.
Instead of relying on the experiences of the thousands of patients I’ve treated (which I’ll get to in the next section), I’d first like to discuss tattoo removal pain based on scientific evidence.
Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology:
A study from this journal concluded that “One hundred and twenty‐nine clients (84%) experienced moderate to extreme pain during treatment.”
WVU Medicine:
West Virginia University Medicine stated that “You may experience some discomfort or pain with laser tattoo removal.”
American Academy of Dermatology
The American Academy of Dermatology argues that laser tattoo removal can feel uncomfortable or painful.
The Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy
A study that was published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy claims that “The sensation of pain associated with the treatment is immediate and acute”
I both agree and disagree with the science that argues that laser tattoo removal is painful.
Tattoo removal can be very painful (if the staff, technology, and protocol of the clinic is not entirely effective).
But…
According to the thousands of patients that I’ve treated, our laser tattoo removal patients describe the process more as “uncomfortable,” rather than painful.
Of course there are folks that think it’s painful, but with our highly trained staff, state-of-the art technology, and effective numbing cream and cooling system, we help alleviate some of that pain.
People may feel a little sore after the treatment, but they don’t have any signs of lingering pain or noticeable discomfort.
They often go back to work immediately after their treatment or presume their daily activities.
There is a common thread that getting laser tattoo removal feels like a taking a rubber band, heating it up a bit, and then snapping it against your skin.
The extent to of the heat and intensity of the snapping differs based on a couple of different things.Although laser tattoo removal can be painful, there are topical solutions, cooling system, and other technological advances that make tattoo removal less painful.
The Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
Based on the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, it was determined that pain during the laser procedure can be reduced by application of topical anesthetic cream.
The British Journal of Dermatology
A study in the British Journal of Dermatology concluded that “When using lidocaine/prilocaine cream… adequate pain relief was achieved”
Here at ReThink the Ink, we use a similar cream (BLT Topical Anesthetic) that significantly helps reduce the pain of laser tattoo removal.
Again, I’d like to consult with the science surrounding patient satisfaction.
I could sit here and tell you that all my patients are incredibly happy (which nearly all of them are), but you could be skeptical and think I’m biased.
So let’s look at what science has to say…
International Journal of Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine
A scientific article published in this journal concluded that patients thought the tattoo removal pain was worth it. The article states that “Patient compliance and satisfaction levels were extremely high, due to the important pigment reduction observed after the first laser treatment”
Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology:
Laser Tattoo Removal can be painful – but the pain is dependent on many different things. And often these are things that the tattoo removal clinic has control of.
If you go to a highly-rated laser tattoo removal clinic that has an experienced staff, the best technology, and effective numbing cream, I’d guess that your laser tattoo removal experience will be much better than you’re anticipating.
